By Gerald M. Edelman
Published: 1987
One of the nation's leading neuroscientists presents a radically new view of the function of the brain and the nervous system. Its central idea is that the nervous system in each individual operates as a selective system resembling natural selection in evolution, but operating by different mechanisms. This far-ranging theory of brain functions is bound to stimulate renewed discussion of such philosophical issues as the mind-body problem, the origins of knowledge and the perceptual bases of language. Notes and Index.
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Gerald M. Edelman was an American biologist and author, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the fields of neuroscience and immunology. Born in 1929 and awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1972 for his discovery of the immune system's antibodies, Edelman later turned his attention to the biological basis of consciousness and the development of the brain. His notable works include 'Neural Darwinism' (1987), 'The Remembered Present: A Biological Theory of Consciousness' (1989), and 'A Universe of Consciousness: How Matter Becomes Imagination' (2001), co-authored with Giulio Tononi. Edelman's writing style is characterized by its clarity and accessibility, bridging complex scientific concepts with philosophical insights, making his work engaging for both scientific and general audiences.
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